FAQ’s
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AFCI Breakers
What are AFCI breakers, why do I have them and why do they trip periodically?
Arc faults can create nuisance trips in electrical systems primarily due to the following reasons:
Sensitivity of Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs): Modern electrical systems, especially in residential settings, are equipped with Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) which are designed to detect dangerous arcing conditions. These devices are highly sensitive to the electrical signatures of arc faults, which can sometimes lead to false positives. For instance, they might interpret normal but unusual electrical activity (like the arcing from a light switch or the electrical noise from certain appliances) as an arc fault.
Types of Arcs:
Series Arc: Occurs when there’s a break in the wire or a loose connection in series with the load. AFCIs are tuned to detect these arcs, but sometimes normal operations like turning on or off high inrush current devices can mimic these signatures.
Parallel Arc: Happens when a hot wire touches a neutral or ground wire. AFCIs might trip if there’s a brief contact or intermittent fault that doesn’t pose a real danger but matches the characteristics of a hazardous arc. **** MSE from time to time does find these and fixes them at no charge. It occurs when someone is in a hurry and doesn't tuck the ground wire back from the neutral post. Typically we find these quickly by testing the continuity of circuit being the issue. These types of arcs occur infrequently.
Electrical Noise and Interference: Electrical systems can generate or be affected by electromagnetic interference (EMI) or radio-frequency interference (RFI) from nearby devices or even from the wiring within the home itself. This noise can sometimes mimic the electrical signatures that AFCIs are looking for, leading to nuisance trips.
Aging or Poor Quality Equipment: Over time, connections might become loose or equipment might degrade, leading to small arcs or electrical anomalies that are not dangerous but trigger the AFCI. Similarly, lower quality or non-standard electrical devices might produce signatures that an AFCI interprets as an arc fault.
Environmental Factors: Changes in temperature, humidity, or even physical vibrations can cause connections to momentarily separate, creating a brief arc that’s detected by the AFCI.
Nuisance Tripping
While nuisance trips can be frustrating, they’re generally a sign that the safety mechanisms are working as intended. However, if they become frequent, consulting with a certified electrician to assess the electrical setup might be necessary to differentiate between actual faults and mere annoyances. NEC 2023 AFCI requires them in all new construction .
Nuisance tripping with appliances can occur for several reasons.
Design and Manufacturing Variations:
Some GE appliances might have unique electrical characteristics that can cause tripping. For instance, certain manufacturing batches might be more prone to causing GFCI or AFCI nuisance trips due to design or component issues.
Leakage Current:
Appliances, including those from GE, can have small amounts of leakage current which, if not within the expected range, might cause GFCI devices to trip. This is particularly noted with appliances like refrigerators or washing machines where moisture or grounding issues could exacerbate this. **** NEC 2023 makes us install GFCI and AFCI protection on washers and all kitchen circuits.
Inrush Current:
GE appliances with high inrush current demands (like ovens preheating or washing machines starting a cycle) might trip sensitive AFCI or GFCI breakers.
Electromagnetic Interference (EMI):
Some GE appliances, particularly those with digital controls or motors, can generate EMI, which might interfere with the operation of protective devices like AFCIs, leading to nuisance trips.
Arcing: Inside the microwave, sparks or arcing can occur, especially if metal objects are accidentally left inside. This arcing can be detected by AFCIs as a potential arc fault.
Noise on the Line: The high-frequency operation of a microwave can introduce electrical noise onto the power line, which might be misinterpreted by protective devices.
Compatibility with Modern Electrical Safety Devices:
There have been reports of certain appliances causing trips on newer AFCI/GFCI dual-function breakers, which are more sensitive than older models. This might be due to the interaction between the appliance’s electrical characteristics and the breaker’s enhanced detection capabilities.
Installation Issues:
Incorrect installation or wiring can lead to nuisance trips. For instance, if an ppliance is not on a dedicated circuit as recommended or if there are issues with grounding, this can result in frequent tripping. ****** MSE is installing dedicated circuits as NEC code states and what is perceived as best practices
Specific Component Failures:
Certain components within appliances might fail in a way that mimics a fault condition to safety devices. For example, a failing heating element in a range might cause intermittent shorts.
GFCI Nuisance Tripping: There have been discussions on forums where appliances, especially ranges, were noted to cause GFCI tripping, sometimes linked to the spark igniter on gas models or due to the appliance’s electrical design interacting poorly with GFCI protection. ****With the NEC 2023 code all gas ranges must be AFCI and GFCI protected.
AFCI/GFCI Issues: Some users have reported problems with appliances tripping dual-function breakers, suggesting that the breakers themselves might be too sensitive or that there’s an incompatibility with how these appliances draw power or manage electrical noise.
LED Bulb issues
Why do I have issues with LED bulbs and why do they sometimes flicker?
1. Voltage Fluctuations:
Inrush Current: When the agitator starts or changes speed, it can cause significant inrush current, momentarily lowering the voltage in the circuit. LED bulbs can be sensitive to these voltage dips, leading to dimming or flickering.
Voltage Spikes: Conversely, the motor’s operation might also cause brief voltage spikes or fluctuations, which can make LED bulbs flicker.
2. Electromagnetic Interference (EMI):
Motor Operation: The washing machine’s motor, especially if it’s an older model with a brushed motor, can generate significant EMI. This interference can affect the operation of nearby LED bulbs, causing them to flicker.
Control Circuits: Modern washing machines with electronic controls might also generate electrical noise that affects LED bulbs.
3. Power Factor:
LED bulbs, particularly cheaper models, might have a poor power factor which can make them more susceptible to the electrical disturbances caused by the washing machine.
4. Dimming and Compatibility:
If your LED bulbs are dimmable and not explicitly designed for use with the type of dimmer or electrical conditions in your home, they might react adversely to the changes in the electrical load caused by the washing machine.
What every Homeowner should know
What to know as a homeowner:
Education: Oftentimes homeowners are unaware of these breakers and have never lived in a house with these breakers. We have typically educated each service call about these breakers. Some understand but many still believe that their appliance or device should "just work".
Quality LED Bulbs: Use high-quality LED bulbs that are less sensitive to voltage changes and EMI. Look for bulbs with good power factor ratings and designed for compatibility with household appliances.
Check Wiring: Ensure all connections in your home are secure and that there are no issues like shared neutrals causing problems which is what we do as standard practice.
Grounding: Verify proper grounding of both the washing machine and lighting fixtures.